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The Government has confirmed that it will proceed with its package of reforms to accelerate electricity network deployment following consultation last year. The reforms are focussed on improving the planning and consenting of network infrastructure, extending and clarifying land access rights for operators, and providing greater protections for landowners. The measures are wide-ranging, in some cases going beyond the original proposals in response to consultation feedback, and will require changes to elements of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the Electricity Act 1989, and the DCO Planning Act 2008 consenting regimes. They are expected to be introduced later this year via legislation and updated guidance.

There have been a number of cases about the validity of payment notices recently, which shows that ‘smash and grab’ adjudications are still seen as an effective way to improve cash flow. The recent decision in United Utilities Water Ltd v Northstone (NI) Ltd (t/a Farrans Construction) [2026] EWHC 1057 (TCC) considered whether the contractor was required to, and failed to issue, a pay less notice within a one day period, looking at the validity of the payment certificate and the effect of dates inserted by CEMAR. This was in the context of an amended NEC3 ECC Option C form of contract with bespoke amendments.